There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18
Words: Anonymous, in Hymns for the Chamber of Sickness, by James Edmeston (London: Religious Tract Society, 1844), page 35.
Music: St. Catherine (Walton) arranged by James G. Walton, in Crown of Jesus Music, by Henri F. Hemy (London: Thomas Richardson & Sons, 1864) (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good photo of Edmeston or Walton (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Perfect in love!
—Lord, can it be,
Amidst this state of doubt and sin,
While foes so thick without I see,
With weakness, pain, disease within:
Can perfect love inhabit here,
And, strong in faith, extinguish fear?
O Lord! amidst this mental night,
Amidst the clouds of dark dismay,
Arise! arise! shed forth Thy light,
And kindle love’s meridian day.
My Savior God, to me appear,
So love shall triumph over fear.